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Womanly-sized riders, unite!

We already wrote about what we'd like the manufacturers to know (not that we did anything about it, but it's nice to vent, isn't it?)...now lets talk about the manufacturers we DON'T hate! What brands do you like? Does anyone make clothes that fit a 19" calf and 36" and above waists?

I have some tuffriders, don't know the model but they're kind of corded and have knee patches. I like them a lot, although they were a bit warm for summer. I also wear Devonaire tights from Stateline. Country Supply's tights and On Course summer weight full seat breeches don't fit over my calves. I have some Ariats, not sure of the model but they retail for about $89, and they BARELY fit...I can show in them, but it's not fun!

They were so cheap too.
I have a pair of full seat cotton naturals and they are not so comfy in the seat. I am trying to lose 20 lbs before I start riding my young horse and then they will be perfect. I just got a pair of tuff riders in the mail from an e-bay seller. They fit good. I think you told us about the boots on e-bay, so I am no help there. I am not really interested in showing but if I were to go to a show I would buy a huge jacket and then have it tailored to fit me.

“If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?” ? Rumi

Larger Sizes for Larger riders

I ordered a pair of the Petrie dressage boots from Dressage Extensions. They were very helpful in getting me a pair of custom made Petries for $425. The aslo carry some larger calf sizes. I have an 18" calf.
Tropical Rider carries breeches to size 36". They are expensive for the full leather seats but worth the money. They wash beautifully.

I forget the maker of my boots off hand, but I had them custom made from an ebay seller and OMG they are horrible!!! Ugly and uncomfortable and don't fit right in the calf--they're pointed!!! Who has pointed calves???

In a couple months, I'll be looking into new custom made boots, and I was thinking about the Petries.

I wear Equissentials breeches,, they custom size you at any major equine trade show, come in tons of colors,and styles, and you can have the leather reconditioned and put on a new pair when you wear them out , at less than half the cost of new ones

twnkltoz - can you PM me the name of the ebay boots guy. I just ordered some and I'm really hoping it's not the same guy! There are at least three people offering custom boots on eBay. The guy I'm working with has been great double checking my measurements and even had me send pictures of my legs so he can get the shape right. Maybe he just has a weird leg fetish.

Edit to add: I think I'm going to cry....just went to that site for chaps and they have ones that will fit my huge calves. The brown ones are on sale for $25 so I bought some!

Ariat hunt coats!

For the *ahem* "well-endowed" among us womanly riders, Ariat Pro Rider series (I think they changed the name a few years back) are cut MUCH fuller through the bust than any other hunt coats I have tried.

Their newer line, although it has a much more extensive selection of colors, seems to be sized differently I am a full size larger in the newer coats, but perhaps I shouldn't complain about what the tag says, because the cut is the same!

For riding tights, etc., try http://www.saddlebums.com/ulridfulseat.html I have the Ultimate Full Seat tights and, shazam, THEY FIT. I have a very high rise/am long waisted and these were the first (and so far only) ones that actually placed the waist where it belongs, the crotch where it belongs and the leg cuff down at the ankle. What a miracle. Also, the price didn't cause me to pass out. Lastly, they are as tough as nails. I've ridden through sticker bushes and brush with no snags. Just chuck 'em in the washer with Wool-Ite on cold water and they clean up great.

This is sad - I didn't know that is where the cuff is supposed to hit - mine have always been mid-calf!!! Guess that's what a 34 inch inseam gets you!

Thanks ChocoMare - now I know where to shop!!

Glad to help. The coolest thing about their tights: I didn't have to order them in a Tall to get the leg/waist long enough. Amazing....a riding clothing company that understands that not all women are "perfectly" sized.

<>< Sorrow Looks Back. Worry Looks Around. Faith Looks Up! -- Being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. You may be given a cactus, but you don't have to sit on it.

This topic so hits home with me! I am eagerly awaiting my new totally custom dressage boots, which were only $345! From Tallyho Equestrian Outfitters, www.gotallyho.com - I learned about them here and he sells on eBay as well (they are fully lined as well). I had bought some of the Hispar zip ups from www.horse-rider-etc.com but they didn't fit the way I wanted them to, though that is also a great source for riding close for the larger gal.

Glad to help. The coolest thing about their tights: I didn't have to order them in a Tall to get the leg/waist long enough. Amazing....a riding clothing company that understands that not all women are "perfectly" sized.

How thick is the fabric? The word "tights" gives me visions of orange peel, but I'm guessing that if they hold up in brush, they're not too thin, no?

How thick is the fabric? The word "tights" gives me visions of orange peel, but I'm guessing that if they hold up in brush, they're not too thin, no?

Actually, they're the perfect thickness--unlike regular lycra tights that are thin (and made for equally thin stick people). They're thick enough to hold ...um....jiggly things in place (), hold up to the tough brush I go through and yet thin enough that you're not sweating to death inside them. I loff them.

<>< Sorrow Looks Back. Worry Looks Around. Faith Looks Up! -- Being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. You may be given a cactus, but you don't have to sit on it.

How thick is the fabric? The word "tights" gives me visions of orange peel, but I'm guessing that if they hold up in brush, they're not too thin, no?

Orange peel - been there, done that, burned the pictures

I was so excited last year when I found some heavy fleece lined tights at my local tack shop last year - thought they'd be perfect for foxhunting in the cold. Although they actually "fit" and felt comfortable when I tried them on, there was no way I was going out in public in them - major cottage cheese action.

Can anyone recommend HEAVY fleece lined tights or breeches that have a baggier fit or at least a nicer look? If these don't exist, perhaps I'll try Chocomare's suggestion with long undies underneath(?) I don't want another season of wearing my summerweight TS and freezing my arse off for vanity's sake...

Can anyone recommend HEAVY fleece lined tights or breeches that have a baggier fit or at least a nicer look? If these don't exist, perhaps I'll try Chocomare's suggestion with long undies underneath(?) I don't want another season of wearing my summerweight TS and freezing my arse off for vanity's sake...

Although I personally haven't ordered from her (yet...), I've heard recommendations from others. Evelyn does custom tights, etc. the way you want them, in your exact size (or a bit bigger when desired) and in all kinds of cool colors and patterns. Maybe check her out as an option: http://www.justforhorsin-round.com/products.htm

<>< Sorrow Looks Back. Worry Looks Around. Faith Looks Up! -- Being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. You may be given a cactus, but you don't have to sit on it.

I have a pair of the Hispar's.. Loved them at first. Bought them to ride in every day.

However, the back zipper kept splitting, and not where it was tight.. I could never get an answer or call back from the contact information I had. Very frustrating! So I ended up sewing the zipper up 1 /3 of the way up the zipper.

They are about 3 months old and after having "good" quality boots, I doubt these will last a year.

Coreene, will you keep us (me) posted on your new boots? They look great on the site! My #2 kid has stick legs (I know, sorry to bring that up here), and we haven't been able to find any boots that actually touch her calves. Since she's still growing, I have been hesitant to go with customs, but those are a BARGAIN if they are decent quality